Every year 100,000 people gather in the Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn, Vienna, for the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s greatly anticipated Summer Night Concert. This renowned open-air performance has been presented by Rolex annually since 2009. It marks the brand’s partnership with the Vienna Philharmonic, one of the world’s finest musical institutions, and its commitment to making classical music accessible to all.

The Salzburg Festival - founded in 1920 - has established itself as one of the most prestigious of its kind, an event where the performing arts combine with leisure to create a unique experience. Its broad artistic programme brings together the world’s best conductors, stage directors, singers, musicians, actors and orchestras for incomparable performances in opera, drama and concerts. Rolex is proud to be Main Sponsor of the Festival since 2012.

The Salzburg Whitsun Festival features an impressive repertoire of operas and concerts over the Whitsun week. This musical celebration is led by world-famous mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, who has been a Rolex Testimonee since 1994. Rolex is proud to be the Exclusive Sponsor of the Whitsun Festival as part of its long-standing commitment to artistic development worldwide.

Built in the late 18th century, during the golden age of opera, Teatro alla Scala remains the epicentre of the operatic world. Performances here continue to transcend history and time. Sitting far above in the loggione, the audience today remains high in passion and opinion. However, everyone is in agreement on one thing: there is no other opera house in the world with the magic and enchantment of La Scala.

Undeniable in sight and sound, it's where the world's greatest ballet, opera and orchestral performers bare their souls. Among them famed soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, a Rolex Testimonee since 1976. Majestic. Inspiring. Every masterpiece performed there is a testament to art's past and future. It serves as the hallowed ground of culture. Beauty and elegance for more than 300 years, this grand stage is ready for its next encore.

The Metropolitan Opera, known as the Met, is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions. Located in the heart of New York City, it is a vibrant home for internationally renowned singers, conductors, composers, orchestra musicians, stage directors, designers, visual artists, choreographers and dancers. A performance at the Met – as mythical as it is historic –  is a true emblem of professional success, excellence and acclaim.

For three centuries, the Opéra has sought to blend tradition with modernity. France’s premier opera company is renowned for staging exceptional productions of the most demanding repertoire and of rarely heard works with the best artists. These original performances and the refined atmosphere attract hundreds of thousands of operagoers a year, and the Opéra National de Paris remains at the forefront of its art on the global stage.

One of music’s most inspirational and charismatic leaders, Sir Antonio Pappano has been Music Director of the Royal Opera House since 2002. During his tenure, he has regaled audiences in the Covent Garden venue and around the world with his extensive and eclectic repertoire, which he conducts with the gusto of his Italian heritage. He is also a prolific recording artist, both as conductor and pianist.

“To rest is to rust.” That explains the arc of one man's career as it extends further into astonishing. Over 3,500 performances and the world's most inexhaustible tenor readies himself for something new.
Enduring passion. One of the greatest virtues of man.

Since her electrifying debut in 1971 as the Countess in a Royal Opera House production of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has lent her voice to almost every major opera company around the world. In 1976, she became Rolex’s first cultural Testimonee, forming an instrumental alliance that has blossomed into a long-standing partnership focused on nurturing gifted youth. Her majestic voice and generous spirit contribute to her legendary status within the enchanting arena of operatic arts.

After winning first prize at the world’s leading opera competition, Operalia, in 2010, Sonya Yoncheva has become a true star in the realm of classical voice performance. Her career is flourishing, with productions in the greatest concert halls and theatres worldwide. A high note of her career came in 2014 when New York’s Metropolitan Opera called her to play the role of Mimì in Puccini’s La Bohème. Prior to that, in 2013, the Bulgarian soprano signed a long‑term recording contract with Sony, which was followed by the release, in early 2015, of her debut solo recording. Her divine voice and undeniable talent have ensured growing success and worldwide appreciation by both music professionals and enthusiasts alike.

One of the world's best mezzo-sopranos. Or one of the best sopranos. Whatever view you take, she stands in a class of her own.

Internationally acclaimed tenor. Thrilling singer and expressive actor. Both his voice and his repertoire know no boundaries. Powerful but sensitive; intellectual yet passionate.

Few tenors master bel canto as well as the Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flórez. With a career that includes performances on the world’s leading stages, he has established himself as one of opera’s greatest talents with his expressive singing. His generosity, charisma and passion inspire his many philanthropic endeavours, in addition to his acclaimed operatic appearances and recordings. Juan Diego Flórez, who joined the Rolex family in 2015, is the recipient of prestigious awards in recognition of his excellence and highest musical achievement.

Celebrated baritone. Grammy winner. A life as large as his voice. A talent that runs as deep as his Welsh roots. Welcome on the world's greatest stages. But he never forgets where home is.

The technique of a master. The imagination of a genius. And a world tour by the age of 16. All 88 keys and a depth of talent that extends beyond them.

A voice like silk. A presence to match. Revered Grammy winner. Inspired by the greats, he keeps the past beautifully present.